I don't know if any of the regulars made the trip up. I listened to as much of the tournament games on the radio as I could. It sounded like you might have expected going in, based on the roster. They struggled to score goals, despite posting some decent shot totals.

After going undrafted, things have turned around a bit for Dea. He got invited to the Pens development camp, and did well enough there to get invited to the rookie tournament. Now, he's built upon that and earned himself a spot at an NHL camp. I'm still unclear on whether he has any draft eligibility left, but if he is eligible to be signed and he continues to impress, I wouldn't mind seeing the Pens add a skilled forward to their prospect pool. It's not like they have many of those kinds of guys anyhow.

Check pens's blogger Ryan Wilson on Hockeybuzz. He basically said he was impressed with Harrington,Matta and Dumoulin on defense. Forward wise, only Kuhnhackl seemed to stand out. Outside of one assist, Wilson said he didnt seem to notice Pouliout too much. Hope this isnt a bad sign and makes me wonder if Jacob Trouba or Forsberg would have been better with the eighth pick

So say Dumoulin is better than Bortuzzo, they just signed Bort for 2 more years. I assume we'd still be able to trade him though right? I just think they need to create some space for these young D. One a year for the next 3 years should be cycling in and getting serious PT.

RisslingsMissingTeeth wrote:So say Dumoulin is better than Bortuzzo, they just signed Bort for 2 more years. I assume we'd still be able to trade him though right? I just think they need to create some space for these young D. One a year for the next 3 years should be cycling in and getting serious PT.

I'm not sure that's true, and it has nothing to do with Brian Dumoulin. People forget that Robert Bortuzzo was one of the top shutdown defensemen in the AHL and was an all-star down there. I think he should have been played more last year so he could get adjusted to the NHL game. You have to be willing to live with a certain amount of mistakes with young guys, and if they develop, then it's all worth it. I'd trade a slightly worse regular season and a division title if it mean my team is better prepared for the playoffs.

For as good of a first year of pro hockey as Dumoulin had, I have trouble believing he was so good down there that he'd actually force his way into the top 6 of an already crowded NHL blueline. Bortuzzo, Deryk Engelland and Simon Despres have played NHL games and still aren't considered regulars.